If you're going to be above the LES how about The Subway Inn? It worked for me.

In the East Village, there's the Tile Bar on 1st & 7th which has cheap beer and a good jukebox. There's also Whiskey Ward on Essex Street a little further downtown.

If you really wanna impress, I highly recommend Angel Share, above St. Mark's Books. It's a little hard to find, but worth it. Look for the sign and the stairs that go up to this Japanese restaurant (good quail eggs on a stick, by the by), then, soon as you enter the restaurant, look for a door on the left that leads into Angel Share. It's a small place, with a beutiful mural over the mahogany bar on one side and a glass wall looking out on the city on the other. You can sit at the bar, or there are small tables available. It's very intimate and classy, but low-key; do "dress-code" of any kind required. Go in in jeans and a t-shirt and they still treat ya like royalty. And they make the most delicious drinks and amazing garnishes (birds carved out of orange slices) you'll ever have anywhere. A buddy of ours took a gal there on our suggestion, and they're living together now. It's magic.

(Drinks will run ya $10 a pop, by the by... not too bad, considerin'.)

(that's "no dress-code," I mean)

The tile bar is great, but not date friendly and too loud. Angel Share OTOH is a great idea.

*slaps head*

Thanks, honey. I don't know why I didn't think of Angel's Share.

She's right. The place is swanky, without being snooty and the drinks and service are amazing, and the prices are not really that out of line considering the drinks are exquisitely prepared and alcohol-packed. (all strictly old-school, BTW. Don't go ordering some fratboy concoction like a woo-woo or whatever)

(It's also around the corner from St. Marks Books on Stuyvesant Street, just east of 3rd ave. Look for the awning. Here's more info)

(also, it's impossible not to appear, and feel, incredibly cool sitting in Angel's Share. You'll feel like Diamond Jim, and your date will be impressed)

*toasts honey with yummy singapore sling*

Or you can try THE SCRATCHER
Nice, down-low Irish pub with cheap prices.

It's on 5th st. & Bowery in the East Village as well.

I love the Subway Inn, but it's a bit of a dump, especially for a first date. My first thought was the Boxcar. It's small and intimate, and is often fairly empty. I end up there a lot when looking for a spot to drink.

I also highly recommend Angel Share. I took some of the guests for our convention there last year, and we had a great time!